Last Thursday, cocktail lovers gathered on the picturesque 76th floor of the Columbia Tower for the 10th Annual Providence Signature Cocktail contest, sponsored by Bombay Sapphire Gin. Eight mixologists from new and established Northwest restaurants were challenged to come up with a hand-crafted custom cocktail to be served at The O’ Christmas Tree Gala on December 3 at The Westin Hotel. A photo booth with Santa might seem premature, but it was a reminder of the exciting events to come, including the Silver Bells Luncheon and Christmas Carnival, all of which support Providence Senior Services.
The Columbia Tower Club provided hors d’oeuvres and light fare for the guests as they mingled and danced to DJed music by Seattle Parties and sampled at least one of each of those yummy cocktails in miniature glasses. While panel of judges determined the night’s best cocktail, guests voted with their dollars for the most congenial mixologist.
The variety of concoctions ranged from fruity to creamy to floral to savory to minty. There was something for everyone and each mixologist had their own style and secret ingredient. A crowd favorite was the jewel-toned, velvety Sapphire Cobbler made by the dapper mixologists of Scotch & Vine of DeMoines, Chris Sims and Jeremy Berg, who concocted a special berry syrup to give the cocktail a fresh, natural and rich flavor. Josh Batway represented Pioneer Square’s Quality Athletics, a new sports bar opening at the end of summer. Batway was affable and casual, offering a cocktail that included beer and was to be consumed with cookies that he also provided. The Naughty or Nice cocktail by Colin Jensen of the Columbia Tower Club was asophisticated and unique blend of floral and fruit flavors, including pear, lime and hyssop, with which it was beautifully garnished. Jensen was as charming as his drink and took home the award for Most Congenial Bartender.
The competition was stiff and after much deliberation, lead judge and celebrity chef Kathy Casey declared Sander Raav of Boka the winner of the evening. He wowed the crowd with a wonderful presentation and his signature cocktail, The Chimney Slip, a mouth watering mixture of blood orange puree, Bombay Gin and a dash of cinnamon and cardamom. The Chimney Slip will be served at this year’s Gala.
Cheers to a successful night in support of Providence’s senior health and hospice services. Here’s the winning recipe for those who want to toast at home:
Signature Cocktail 2014: The Chimney Slip
- 1.5 oz Bombay Sapphire Gin
- 0.5 oz perfect puree blood orange
- 0.25 oz honey syrup
- dash of ground cinnamon
- 4 drops cardamom bitters
Garnish with blood orange or grapefruit peel
